When we think of the country Japan, the first things that may come to mind are geishas, sushi, or that the Capital is Tokyo right? Well, Japan is known for many other things such as their traditional arts and tea ceremonies. Japanese people are also well known for being respectful and peaceful people.
There are four periods in time which make up the Japanese history and they are the Japanese Paleolithic period, Jomon Period, Yayoi Period, lastly the Kofun Period. The Japanese Paleolithic period began before 10,000 BC, and was the “period is inhabitation in Japan predating the development of pottery.” Thereafter was the Jomon period which is dated around 1000 BCE, where japan inhabited a hunter-gatherer culture. Followed by the Jomon period was the Yayoi period. During the Yayoi Period as stated in the research by Tim Lambert, “Between 300 BC and 300 AD a new era began in Japan. At that time the Japanese learned to grow rice. They also learned to make tools of bronze and iron. The Japanese also learned to weave cloth.” (Lambert, n.d.). The Kofun Period was followed after the Yayoi Period, which began during 300 AD to 710 AD. Lambert also states “At this time Japan gradually became united. The rich and powerful men of the era were buried in vast tombs called Kofun.” (Lambert, n.d.) Later on down the line in history,
Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 led to war with the United States and its allies. Japan’s forces soon became overextended, but the military held out in spite of Allied air attacks that inflicted severe damage on population centers. Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s unconditional surrender on 15 August 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. The Allies occupied Japan until 1952, during which a new constitution was enacted in 1947 that transformed Japan into a constitutional monarchy. After 1955, Japan enjoyed very high economic growth, and became a world economic powerhouse. Since the 1990s, economic stagnation has been a major issue. An earthquake and tsunami in 2011 caused massive economic dislocations and a serious nuclear power disaster. (The First Human Habitation in the Japanese archipelago, n .d.)
Although Japan has economically grown throughout the years, the country has suffered a halt in their development which has become one of the main concerns within the Japanese economy. Like all countries, there are issues that are faced and trying to get through the issues can be tough. Japan has quite a few issues they are dealing with, but the two major issues that will be discussed are low birth rates, and their economic development. According to an article by Alana Semuels, “Japan’s birth rate may be falling because there are fewer good opportunities for young people, and especially men, in the country’s economy.” (Semuels, 2017). The younger generation in Japan are so focused on building their career paths, starting a family is at the least of their thoughts. In Japan’s society, men are expected to be the leaders and top providers in one’s household. If there aren’t enough good or high paying jobs available where they are capable of earning a good income to take care of their families, this can be the reason for low birth rates in Japan. The author also states, “The birth rate is down, even the coupling rate is down. And people will say the number-one reason is economic insecurity.” People are so focused on making enough money to survived they don’t even have the time to date or think about marriage and starting a family, because they aren’t even sure if their financially secure.
Japan’s economy comes up short on the characteristic assets to help its developing economy and substantial populace. Subsequently, Japan sends out merchandise in which it has a similar preferred standpoint, for example, cutting edge items in return for the import of crude materials and oil. Japan is one of the greatest rural shippers on the planet. As stated by EW World Economy Team, “While lacking in resources, Japan has become one of the largest processors of raw materials imported from abroad, relying on a strong infrastructure and highly skilled workforce.” (EW World Economy Team, 2013). Japan has turned out to be one of the biggest processors of crude materials imported from abroad, depending on a solid foundation and very gifted workforce. Although Japan’s economy is growing steadily, it is moving along tremendously slow. An article in the Daily Mail UK by Afp says, “Japan has managed six straight quarters of economic growth — its best run in a decade — but at a sluggish annual rate of 1.3 percent.” (Afp, 2017). The country is growing and has been doing well with a consistent growth pattern, but against other countries and their economic growth Japan is just too far left behind.
Japan’s population is made up to be around 125 million people and is made up of about several thousands of islands. Japan-Guide’s Geography article informs readers that, “50 percent of the country is mountainous and covered by forest.” (Geography, n.d.). Of those thousands of islands there are four in which make up the largest islands in Japan which include Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Earthquakes are rather common in Japan because of how its region is positioned. Volcanoes and natural hot springs happen in Japan as well for the same reason.
Japan has some social characteristics that are to be acknowledged. Bowing is commonly known in Japan, which shows a sign of respect. The Japanese people bow to welcome, thank, say their goodbyes, and also apologize. As stated in Inside Japan Tours “Japanese people grow up picking up the subtleties of this unique culture as they go through life, respecting the invisible and varied societal rules.” (Japanese Culture, n.d.). This is something that is instilled within the Japanese culture and is part of their social norms. Another social characteristic that may be well known around the world for the Japanese culture is taking your shoes off in an establishment. When entering someone’s home, a temple, even a restaurant, you must remove your footwear. Geisha’s is another part of the Japanese culture that is quite familiar of heard throughout the world. They are Japanese women who entertain through performance of the ancient traditions of art by dancing and singing.
The political system is determined by which leaders are chosen by vote. Referring to an article by Caylon Neely, The Japanese political system is based on Japan’s constitution, which was drafted after the end of World War II. Enacted on May 3, 1947, it firmly established a democracy in form of a constitutional monarchy, which, similar to the U.K., maintained its long-standing imperial family as the honorary figurehead of the country. (Neely, 2016).
There are three branches in the Japanese political system. They include the National Diet, the Cabinet, and the judiciary sections of the government. The Emperor of Japan appoints leaders within the government. Neely states, “According to the constitution, the Emperor carries out ceremonial duties, such as appointing the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court into office, and presenting distinguished awards from the government of Japan.” (Neely, 2016).
As a member of the United Nations, we have to come up with a few thought out suggestions to Japan to help with its current problems as a country. First off regarding the low birth rates and how it is effects Japan’s population. A 12 week paid maternity and paternity leave along with deductions for those with dependents on tax could help. Those with larger families receive financial assistance with subsidized healthcare, such as prenatal care and the delivery of birth. Yes, these programs may be expensive for the government, but what are we spending our money on?
